4 bachelorette party destinations that are anything but mainstream

The last hurrah

While destination weddings are in vogue, so are pre-wedding parties that set the right mood for the grand finale. Whether it’s a wild bachelorette or a spa weekend with your tribe, every couple deserves a memorable send-off.

Give Vegas a skip this year and instead get heady with the hawks in Ireland or tap into your wild side in South Africa. Vogue rounds up some offbeat destinations for one last, mad party before you give up your single status

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Wine and hot air ballooning in Australia

Wine and hot air ballooning in Australia

Know your merlot from your pinot noir? Then it’s time to explore one of Australia’s most stunning wine regions. Yarra Valley is an hour from the bustle of Melbourne and is an idyllic getaway. With lush mountains serving as a backdrop, the valley’s vineyards make a pretty picture. Skip the usual luxury wine trail in a Chrysler or limo, and opt for a hot air balloon experience instead!

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Check-in to the historic Chateau Yering Hotel (Chateauyering.com.au), named after the vineyard (which produced its first vintage in 1845) in which it is set or the spa suites at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa (Balgownieestate.com.au), all of which have unobstructed views of the picturesque wine valley. Sample exquisite wines—paired with fantastic local produce—from boutique wineries. To amp the indulgence, add a spa experience, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of a private chocolaterie.

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Night safaris and sundowners in South Africa

Night safaris and sundowners in South Africa

What could be wilder than getting up, close and personal with the big cats in the wild? The South African savannah is teeming with wildlife—everything from the big five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses and buffaloes) to giraffes, zebras and more. Book a luxe riverside villa for your friends and you; your personal butler will bring sundowner cocktails as you take a dip in your private splash pool, followed by a thrilling night safari.

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Don’t miss the unique experience of watching the sunrise with a bush breakfast experience, followed by a day safari. MalaMala Game Reserve (Malamala.com), one of South Africa’s oldest and most historical, is situated right next to Kruger National Park and offers exciting game viewing opportunities. AndBeyond Phinda Homestead (Andbeyond.com) set deep inside Phinda Private Game Reserve, where elephants regularly stop by the swimming pool for a drink, or Jaci’s Safari Lodge (Jacislodges.co.za) in Madikwe Game Reserve, both offer luxurious safaris. This is as wild as it gets.

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Scenic countryside in Ireland

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Scenic countryside in Ireland

Always dreamt of living in a fairy tale castle? Ireland’s scenic countryside is dotted with plenty in varying sizes but perhaps the most impressive of them all is Ashford Castle (Ashfordcastle.com), along the Wild Atlantic Way. Located on the shores of Lough Corrib, this 13th-century castle is now a luxury five-star hotel, set amidst 350 acres of ancient woodland. Experience warm Irish hospitality (think fine single malts!) in the property’s elegant suites.

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But the highlight of Ashford Castle is, of course, the famed hawk walks. At the castle’s falconry school, sign up for one of many Harris’ hawks for a ‘walk’ into the woodland. Learn how to carry the magnificent bird on your arm, release it in the air and call it back for a feed—and have yourself an unforgettable experience.

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Gourmet tours in Hong Kong

Gourmet tours in Hong Kong

If your squad is more #foodie than #selfie, Hong Kong is the place to be—teeming with fine dining restaurants as well as inexpensive street joints. It’s also party central almost every night of the week. Begin at the world’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant Tim Ho Wan (Timhowan.com), the hole-in-the-wall dim sum eatery, and work your way up to Cantonese cuisine at Amber, the two Michelin star restaurant at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental (Amberhongkong.com).

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Visit celebrity favourite Jumbo Kingdom (Jumbokingdom.com) at Aberdeen Harbour—the iconic floating attraction features several restaurants, a culinary school, a Chinese tea garden and a wine garden. No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a food tour of the bustling Kowloon neighbourhood Sham Shui Po, where small, family-run restaurants serve up some authentic Cantonese and Hong Kong-style cuisine.